1. What is Laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a procedure done under general anaesthesia, wherein a scope is passed into the abdomen of the patient at the level of umbilicus, to explore the abdomino pelvic contents.

2. For whom is it recommended?

In subfertile couples a diagnostic hystero laparoscopy is often done to visualize the inside and outside of the uterus as well as the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the surrounding structures.

It is done to diagnose problems inside and outside the uterus and to treat certain conditions like uterine septum, polyp, adhesions, PCO, tubal blocks, endometriotic cysts and in patients with unexplained infertility

3. How is it done?

An diagnostic/operative hysterolaparoscopy is done under general anaesthesia. It requires pre anaesthetic fitness, patient comes to hospital fasting and procedure is carried out. A hysteroscope is inserted gently into the uterus and the cavity and tubal openings into the cavity are visualized. A laparoscope is then inserted into the abdomen after distending the abdomen with sufficient gas and abdomino pelvic contents are visualized. A dye is passed into the uterus and the tubes are examined for patency. The probable cause for subfertility are evaluated and to a certain extent even treated. Patient can be discharged a few hours later.

4. Is diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy required for all subfertile couples?

Routine diagnostic hysterolaparoscopy for all subfertile couples is not recommended. It is done specifically in patients who are diagnosed with PCO not responding to medicines, to confirm tubal blocks and attempt to treat tubal blocks, to stage and treat endometriosis, in patients with unexplained infertility, to remove fibroids that may interfere with pregnancy, to treat uterine septum, polyp, fibroid, adhesions.

5. Are there any complications associated with Laparoscopy?

Bowel injury, bladder injury, bleeding, anaesthesia related are rare complications of laparoscopy

6. Is admission in hospital required for hysteroscopy?

Laparoscopy is an office procedure which doesn’t require any hospital admission. Patient reports to hospital empty stomach, consent is taken and procedure is performed. She is discharged a few hours later and can return to her routine activities thereof